We took the 26 northwest to get back to Highway 101. This put us roughly 21 miles south of where we last left the coast at Ft. Stevens. We stopped briefly in Cannon Beach, which was swarming with people on a Sunday. Then we headed south. The campground where we had hoped to stay was now closed, so we are a little further toward Tillamook at a state park in Manzanita. I haven’t seen the beach yet but Erik is out exploring it right now.

When we were visiting the remains of the Peter Iredale shipwreck at Fort Stevens, some kids about six or seven were playing Pirates of the Caribbean/Titanic as they clung to the rusty old ship. “Argghh mateys,” one little boy said. “The ship is sinking! We need drinks!”

Hansel and Dana took us to a great North Portland spot for comfort food. The rosemary mac and cheese was absolutely amazing!

Erik’s friends Hansel and Dana are the best tour guides you could ask for. They know all the great places to eat and drink in Portland and have a great attitude about showing us around and trying new things. We felt special that they’d never eaten at Eleni’s, the Cretian restaurant where we went for Erik’s birthday. We got to give them a tip! Tomorrow they are taking us to see their farm outside the city. We’re excited.